TBF Compatible with Input Power Including GFCI

Abstract

A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus.

1 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other,   a first relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, and said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground, and   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm,   wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than or equal to 0.50 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors has a value less than or equal to 2.8 microfarad. 
     
     
         3 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors has a value ranging from about 0.50 to 2.8 microfarad. 
     
     
         4 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit; and   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the voltage between the hot lead and the neutral lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level.   
     
     
         5 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage between the hot lead and the neutral lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit; and   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the voltage between the hot lead and the neutral lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level.   
     
     
         6 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit;   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the connection between the ground lead is disconnected.   
     
     
         7 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit;   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the connection between the hot and neutral lead is reversed.   
     
     
         8 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said first relay receives current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed.   
     
     
         9 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a second relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a second relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the second relay is receiving current, said second relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, said second relay switch arm opening when current in the second relay circuit is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground.   
     
     
         10 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further including:
 a second relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a second relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the second relay is receiving current, said second relay receiving current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said second relay switch arm opening when current in the second relay is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed.   
     
     
         11 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein an I g  current during a UL943 test for compliance a GFCI tripping requirement is less than 4 mA. 
     
     
         12 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitance of the capacitor is less than or equal to about 1.8 uF for a 15 A branch circuit. 
     
     
         13 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitance of the capacitor is less than or equal to about 1.4 uF for a 20 A branch circuit. 
     
     
         14 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitance of the capacitor is less than or equal to about 2.8 uF for a 15 A branch circuit. 
     
     
         15 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitance of the capacitor is less than or equal to about 2.2 uF for a 20 A branch circuit. 
     
     
         16 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , further comprising an inductor connected between the ground leads of the power utility outlet and the electrical apparatus and operably coupled to the capacitor. 
     
     
         17 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein a wire size of the inductor is greater than or equal to a wire size of conductors for each of the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit. 
     
     
         18 . The protective circuit of  claim 1 , wherein a total impedance of a grounding path within the protective circuit is less than or equal to 0.1 ohm at a frequency of 60 Hz. 
     
     
         19 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other;   a first relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, and   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage surge protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm,   wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than 0.5 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus.   
     
     
         20 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other;   a relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit, said relay controlling a relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the relay is receiving current, said relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, said relay switch arm opening when current is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground, and   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage surge protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm,   wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than 0.5 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus.   
     
     
         21 . The protective circuit of  claim 20 , further including:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage between the hot lead and neutral lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit; and   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus and surge protector components between hot and neutral leads when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level.   
     
     
         22 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other:   a relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the relay is receiving current, said relay receiving current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said relay switch arm opening when current in the relay is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, and   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage surge protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm,   wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than 0.5 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus.   
     
     
         23 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the leads to protect the electrical apparatus from voltage surges;   a relay circuit to protect the voltage surge protection circuit;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit;   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level, and   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage surge protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm,   wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than 0.5 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus.   
     
     
         24 . The protective circuit of  claim 23 , wherein the voltage surge protection circuit is connected between the hot and neutral leads. 
     
     
         25 . The protective circuit of  claim 24 , wherein the voltage surge protection circuit comprises:
 first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads;   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other.   
     
     
         26 . The protective circuit of  claim 25 , further including:
 a series connected set of first and second relays connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit, said first relay controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, and said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground.   
     
     
         27 . The protective circuit of  claim 23 , wherein the capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors has a value less than or equal to 2.8 microfarad. 
     
     
         28 . The protective circuit of  claim 23 , wherein the capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors has a value ranging from about 0.5 to 2.8 microfarad. 
     
     
         29 . The protective circuit of  claim 23 , further including:
 said second relay controlling a second relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the second relay is receiving current, said second relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, said second relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the electrical apparatus surge protector components and circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground.   
     
     
         30 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other, and   a first relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, and said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground,   wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard.   
     
     
         31 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other;   a first relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed,   wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard.   
     
     
         32 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other;   a relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit, said relay controlling a relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the relay is receiving current, said relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, said relay switch arm opening when current is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground,   wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard.   
     
     
         33 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other:   a relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a relay switch arm in a conductor connecting the hot lead of the power utility outlet to the hot lead of the electrical apparatus when the relay is receiving current, said relay receiving current when the hot lead and the neutral lead are properly connected and not receiving current when connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed, said relay switch arm opening when current in the relay is not received to protect the electrical apparatus and the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the connection between the hot lead and the neutral lead is reversed,   wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard.   
     
     
         34 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage threshold sensing circuit for detecting when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level;   a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the leads to protect the electrical apparatus from voltage surges;   a relay circuit to protect the voltage surge protection circuit;   a relay supply switch for providing current to the relay circuit; and   an electronic switch responsive to the voltage threshold sensing circuit for disabling the relay supply switch and protecting the electrical apparatus when the voltage on the hot lead of the power utility outlet exceeds an established protective level,   wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard.   
     
     
         35 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 first means for surge arresting;   second means for surge arresting;   the first and second means for surge arresting operably coupled to the neutral leads;   means for filtering noise; and   means for connecting the means for filtering noise across the neutral and ground leads.   
     
     
         36 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than or equal to 0.50 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus. 
     
     
         37 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard. 
     
     
         38 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for over voltage detection.   
     
     
         39 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for no ground and reverse polarity and control.   
     
     
         40 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for disconnecting the hot leads.   
     
     
         41 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for disconnecting the neutral leads.   
     
     
         42 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for indicating a fault condition.   
     
     
         43 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 means for indicating a normal condition.   
     
     
         44 . The protective circuit of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 third means for surge arresting.   
     
     
         45 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 first means for surge arresting;   second means for surge arresting;   the first and second means for surge arresting operably coupled to the neutral leads;   means for filtering noise;   means for connecting the means for filtering noise across the neutral and ground leads;   means for over voltage detection;   means for no ground and reverse polarity and control;   means for disconnecting the hot leads;   means for disconnecting the neutral leads;   means for indicating a fault condition;   means for indicating a normal condition; and   third means for surge arresting.   
     
     
         46 . The protective circuit of  claim 45 , wherein when a 3 KV and 200 A transient input is applied across the neutral and ground leads of the power utility outlet, a peak voltage of less than or equal to 0.50 V is provided across the neutral and ground leads of the electrical apparatus. 
     
     
         47 . The protective circuit of  claim 45 , wherein the protective circuit complies with the UL943 Standard. 
     
     
         48 . A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a electrical apparatus, said protective circuit comprising:
 a voltage surge protection circuit connected between the hot and neutral leads, comprising:   first and second voltage surge protectors connected in series between the hot and neutral leads,   said first and second voltage surge protectors being connected at a common connection to each other,   a first relay connected between the hot and neutral leads of the protective circuit and controlling a first relay switch arm which connects the common connection of the first and second voltage surge protectors to an electrical path to ground when the first relay is receiving current, said first relay receiving current when the ground lead is connected to an electrical ground, and said first relay switch arm opening when current in the first relay circuit is not received to protect the voltage surge protectors of the voltage surge protector circuit when the ground lead is not connected to an electrical ground,   a capacitor connected between said common connection of said first and second voltage protectors in said voltage surge protection circuit and said neutral lead, said capacitor having a farad rating to filter substantially all noise signals on said neutral lead to ground when said ground lead of said circuit is connected to electrical ground through said first relay switch arm, and   an inductor connected between the ground leads of the power utility outlet and the electrical apparatus and operably coupled to the capacitor.